The Application of Intertextual Reading in Reconstructing the Historical Context of the Qur’anic verses (case study: The Story of Abel and Cain).

Reconstructing the historical context of the verses, the situation in which the Qur'anic text has been formed, from various aspects, in particular explaining the exact meaning of the verses, is a difficult, significant and fruitful matter. However, little authentic evidence is available for this purpose. We know that the Qur'an in many cases speaks considering the traditions and teachings mentioned in sacred Jewish-Christian texts, that have been current in the mouth of the people of the age of revelation. Therefore, Intertextual reading is very effective in restoring the text of the Qur'an as an authentic historical document and, as a result, in reconstructing the historical context of the verses and recognizing the audience of the age of revelation. In the present study, based on this approach, we have studied the intertextual reading of verses27-32of Surat al-Ma'idah related to the story of Abel and Cain. Re-reading the Qur'an and sacred Jewish-Christian texts, including the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Talmud, shows that the story is narrated similarly and the language is symbolic. However, the Qur'an does not merely retell the story but modifies these texts and creates new meanings according to its audience in the age of revelation. The intertextual reading shows that verses 27-32 of Surat al-Ma'idah are related to the tension between the 7th century AD Jews in the Arabian Peninsula and the Prophet of Islam; they intend to betray the Prophet again and kill him. Finally, considering some historical narratives along with the intertextual reading indicates that the above verses refer to the treachery of the Jews of Khaybar around year 7 (AH).